Honkai Impact

The assessment begins!

Two Valkyries of the same rank will battle, using the energy of their Valkyrie Armor as the metric. When the energy drops to a certain level, they will be judged as having failed. All weapons will be standard two-star equipment!

This time, Yuqi proactively sought out Kiana to request a battle. The humiliation from a few days ago must be repaid today!

Kiana immediately burst into laughter. "I was just looking for you to vent about you threatening Ling Feng..."

And so, the two hit it off, and this battle became the opening match of this assessment!

Chapter 37: Painting Stigmata? Now you're talking, I'm wide awake!

Inside the battle arena, the two had each donned their Valkyrie Armor, fully equipped, and were waiting for the fight!

"Beep!"

With the prompt sound of the holographic display, the battle officially commenced!

"Stigmata, activate!"

Yuqi chose to activate the power of her Stigmata immediately, not intending to hold back. Because of Kiana, she wanted to defeat her as quickly as possible, to let Kiana understand that with her Stigmata, she could still defeat her!

As Yuqi activated her Stigmata, a lightbulb Stigmata pattern appeared on her back. Everyone was quite unfamiliar with this pattern...

"Hmph, I know how you got your four-star Stigmata, but it's useless!"

Kiana charged forward directly with her dual pistols. There was no other way; the attack power of the two-star universal handguns was too low, and they didn't have many bullets. Even if all of them hit Yuqi, they wouldn't be able to penetrate the defense of the Valkyrie Armor. Therefore, it ultimately came down to close combat!

"Slash!"

Yuqi, wielding her greatsword, unleashed a blast of blue lightning attack...

"Huh?"

Kiana narrowly dodged the fatal lightning strike, and at the same time, she was somewhat surprised. When did this girl Yuqi learn to perform ranged attacks, and with lightning, no less...

"Stigmata?"

Then, Kiana saw Yuqi's Stigmata channeling energy into her greatsword. She immediately realized that this was definitely the work of a four-star Stigmata. Damn it, why did Ling Feng imprint such a powerful Stigmata on her!

What Yuqi had was the upper part of the Edison Stigmata. In addition to the basic amplification of Stigmata energy, it also possessed the effect of converting energy into lightning attacks. This could be done once every six seconds, and it was treated as a ranged attack, which was very suitable for a Valkyrie like Yuqi, who was strong in close combat but lacked ranged attack methods!

"Yaaah..."

The two sides clashed continuously and finally made direct contact. Kiana kicked Yuqi's greatsword, and the result was...

"Ah... Damn it..."

Kiana immediately received a free electric shock and quickly retreated...

Yuqi had no intention of stopping. She swung her greatsword at Kiana, who dodged sideways. The greatsword struck the ground, kicking up an infinite amount of dust...

Just as Yuqi was about to continue her attack, she found that Kiana had disappeared, and then...

"Don't move!"

Kiana had appeared behind her at some point, her dual pistols pressed against the back of Yuqi's head...

"It ends here!"

Himeko hurriedly gave the command to end the match, putting away the tablet she had been holding to record data. "The assessment is over. Kiana, Yuqi, both of you have passed. Your grades are Outstanding!"

"Hmph hmph!"

Kiana let out a smug hum, put away her dual pistols, and happily ran over to Mei and the other two. Although the results hadn't been officially announced, everyone could tell she had won. Even though the rules stated that victory was achieved when the Valkyrie Armor's energy reached a certain low point, in that situation, if she had shot Yuqi in the head...

Of course, Kiana wouldn't kill Yuqi by shooting her, because the guns were loaded with special competition bullets. When they hit a Valkyrie, they would only consume energy and not endanger her life, but it would still hurt a lot...

Compared to the excited Kiana, Yuqi stood frozen in place for a long time. Had she lost?

Moreover... in that last attack, she hadn't even seen Kiana's movements. Had Kiana become this strong after fighting Honkai Beasts?

It seemed she had to work even harder!

The assessment continued. Rita was contemplating the Stigmata on Kiana and Yuqi. They were clearly four-star Stigmata, and... they were perfect Stigmata. According to her investigation, there seemed to be no one in St. Freya Academy capable of perfectly imprinting four-star Stigmata. What was going on?

Furthermore, Kiana's growth was even faster than the Bishop had predicted. She would have to report this matter... Huh?

Was that Lightning Mei? Mei, the Third Herrscher? Did she also have a four-star Stigmata on her back? It looked like it was from the same person who helped Kiana with her Stigmata. Who was it that helped imprint them?

Rita silently transmitted this information back to Schicksal headquarters, and then Lord Griseo sent new instructions...

After the afternoon assessment concluded, everyone passed. However, Rita didn't seem to be leaving. She stated that according to the Bishop's orders, she would be staying here for a while. There was nothing Theresa could do but let her stay...

"Aww, Mei, I want more!"

In the apartment, Kiana was enjoying the lavish dinner prepared by Mei. Because Ling Feng had also contributed his funds, and they had become a B-rank team, their budget was much more relaxed than before. Plus, after a fierce battle today, it was only natural for them to have a hearty meal tonight!

"Yes, yes, coming right up..."

Mei took Kiana's bowl and refilled it with a whole bowl of rice...

Ling Feng: "..." Actually, I finally understand why Team 233's budget is always insufficient...

After dinner, Mei washed the dishes and sat on the sofa to watch TV. Since there was no homework today, Kiana also sat on the sofa playing games with Bronya. Not having homework felt so good!

Ling Feng, on the other hand, was yawning out of boredom, feeling a bit sleepy. His and Mei's tastes were indeed different; he couldn't get into the TV shows she liked at all...

"Ling Feng..."

Mei suddenly looked at Ling Feng and said, "In today's battle, I feel that the power of the Stigmata is not as strong as before. It's possible that the energy of the Stigmata is about to be depleted, so can you imprint them for me again?"

"Imprint Stigmata? Sure!"

Although he was a bit sleepy, Ling Feng's spirits immediately lifted when Mei brought this up. He said with a confident expression, "Imprinting Stigmata, no problem, Mei. Don't worry, as long as you need it, let alone every day, I can imprint them for you anytime!"

Seeing Ling Feng's eyes light up, Mei was momentarily speechless... Should she... wait a while before getting them imprinted? But... she couldn't bring herself to say it!

"Okay!"

With no other choice, Mei could only nod. Besides, she genuinely wanted to get them imprinted. She said earnestly, "Ling Feng, after yesterday's battle, Kiana and I have both become much stronger. So I should be able to withstand more than one four-star Stigmata. I think I can handle two or even three. And... if possible, I want to try a five-star one!"

"A five-star one?"

Ling Feng hesitated for a moment. To be honest, he personally felt that a five-star Stigmata was too soon for Mei. This was because five-star Stigmata had fundamental differences from lower-level ones!

Four-star Stigmata had no restrictions on the user. As long as they could withstand it, they could use it directly after imprinting. But five-star Stigmata were not like that. Besides needing to withstand the Stigmata's power, they also required the Valkyrie's adaptability to the Stigmata!

For example, a fire-element Valkyrie who imprinted a fire-element Stigmata would have her power enhanced. But if she imprinted a water-element Stigmata, forget about fighting Honkai Beasts; her own energy would first have to contend with the Stigmata's energy!

This way, not only would it not enhance any combat power, but it could also weaken it, and even cause damage to the Valkyrie's body. That would be a loss that outweighed the gain. If the adaptability was insufficient, it could even cause more severe consequences than the aforementioned issues, such as energy collapse, energy loss of control, or even direct death...

Therefore, even Ling Feng dared not rashly imprint five-star Stigmata on others, let alone on Mei. He didn't want to be holding Mei's corpse and crying, "My wife, you died so tragically..."

Chapter 38: Massage is a Matter of Life and Death for Humanity!

They arrived at Mei's room again. The last time he was here was probably a week ago... There was no way, Ling Feng really couldn't find a reason to enter Mei's room. Don't even talk about waking her up; Mei always woke up first every morning...

This time, Kiana and Bronya were busy playing games and didn't follow. After all, imprinting Stigmata wasn't anything unusual...

"Ahem, Mei, you can prepare first. Call me when you're ready!"

Even though he had entered the room, Ling Feng consciously turned his back to avoid any awkwardness for both of them!

"Okay!"

Mei didn't object. She slowly took off her top, then lay down obediently, unfastening her bra as well. Once again, she exposed her back to Ling Feng...

"Alright, Ling Feng..."

Mei said softly, feeling a little nervous in her heart. It wasn't nervousness from exposing her skin in front of Ling Feng, but rather worry about whether Ling Feng would do anything else...

Last time, it was because they weren't familiar with each other, and Kiana and Bronya were present, so nothing else happened. But this time...

Mei knew that Ling Feng had already obtained the "Imperial Sword" from her father, and now there were only the two of them. So, if Ling Feng suddenly pounced on her, should she resist?

Or perhaps, try a tentative resistance?

"Mmm..."

Suddenly, Mei felt something touch her. Yes, absolutely yes, it was Ling Feng's hand, and not just his fingers, but both his hands were placed on her back...

"Ling Feng, what... what are you doing? Ahhh..."

Mei immediately turned to look at Ling Feng. She had intended to resist, but instantly felt a pleasant sensation on her back, which shattered her resolve to resist. Mmm... so comfortable...

"Massage!"

Ling Feng said with a righteous and calm smile. "Um, you probably haven't been sleeping very well these past couple of nights, have you?"

"Mmm... my body... is very stiff... Ahhh... and... um, my body is sore, mmm..."

Mei didn't deny it and honestly stated the fact that she hadn't been sleeping well recently. However, as she spoke, she couldn't help but want to moan because it was too comfortable, so comfortable that she didn't know how to describe it...

"That's right. This is clearly an effect caused by residual Honkai energy!"

Ling Feng said as he massaged Mei. "Honkai energy is not a power that belongs to humans. Even if Valkyries can use it, their bodies will still be slowly eroded. This is also why Valkyries tend to retire early. After using Honkai energy, it doesn't dissipate immediately but remains in the body, especially in the back!"

"As a result, the Honkai energy will continuously stimulate the body, keeping the back muscles in a state of constant excitement. In other words, they are always in use and never get to rest. This will naturally lead to backaches and soreness. In your time... the academy doesn't have an Energy Spring, so the only way is to use massage to inject energy into it, thereby neutralizing and dispelling the residual Honkai energy!"

Ling Feng almost let it slip again...

"Oh..."

Mei nodded, seemingly understanding but not entirely. She wasn't sure if what Ling Feng said was true or false, but the comfort emanating from her back was definitely real. This feeling of comfort, as if it came from the depths of her soul, made Mei feel as though her life had been lived in vain until now!

"Then... Ling Feng... um... why... why didn't you help me with a massage the other day? You... you made me suffer for two days!" Mei suddenly seemed a bit wronged!

"Uh... well, I was afraid you wouldn't want it? And... last time, there were already some misunderstandings when imprinting the Stigmata!" Ling Feng explained awkwardly, but he was lying!

The reason he didn't massage Mei a few days ago was that there hadn't been any intense battles recently. And the last time he imprinted Stigmata, Ling Feng had already neutralized the residual Honkai energy as a side task, so it wasn't necessary!

As for after the battle on Saturday... it was because Ling Feng hadn't remembered. In his era, Valkyries would go directly to an Energy Spring after battles. It was essentially a plasma-state energy hot spring that could not only cleanse the body but also directly neutralize residual energy in the body, completely eliminating the need for someone to help with a massage!

So, Ling Feng didn't remember. After all, there was no concept of an Energy Spring in this era. Besides, if Ling Feng had remembered, he absolutely wouldn't have failed to mention it. This was an opportunity for intimate contact with Mei, so how could he miss it?

Moreover, this wasn't taking advantage; it was treating a Valkyrie and was an important mission related to the survival of all humanity. It was like the story of a horseshoe nail; perhaps humanity's extinction was due to the absence of a Valkyrie like Mei. Therefore, massage was necessary. For humanity, let's massage!

"What is an Energy Spring? I've never heard of it!"

Mei stopped pressing Ling Feng about the massage and became interested in the Energy Spring again!

"I heard that an Energy Spring converts energy into a plasma-state hot spring that Valkyries can interact with. However, it's currently only in the experimental stage, so let's not talk about it. I've only heard about it!" Ling Feng had no idea if there was an Energy Spring in this era, so he could only bluff, stating that he had only heard about it. Also, don't think about recreating an Energy Spring using knowledge from the previous civilization; that knowledge was outside Ling Feng's area of expertise...

"By the way, Mei, regarding the new Stigmata, I think it's best if you don't use a five-star one right now!"

While massaging, Ling Feng also started discussing Stigmata with Mei. "You should also know that five-star Stigmata require sufficient compatibility with the user. Generally, you need to reach at least Rank A to imprint them, which is a bit difficult for you right now."

"Mhm, mhm… I'll listen to you!"

Mei was very obedient regarding this question. She knew Ling Feng understood Stigmata better than she did, and she was willing to follow his advice. Besides, it felt too good to speak much…

As the massage ended, Mei still looked a little reluctant. However, the soreness and fatigue in her body seemed to have completely disappeared. She felt incredibly refreshed, as if reborn!

Afterward, Ling Feng removed the Attila Stigmata, whose patterns had become somewhat blurred, and imprinted new Stigmata for Mei!

This time, although Mei still felt so comfortable she wanted to cry out, after Ling Feng's professional massage, she had developed strong endurance. Even though it was comfortable, she would absolutely remain silent, only letting out a couple of hums at most…

Thus, with Mei's cooperation, Ling Feng finished imprinting three four-star Stigmata in less than fifteen minutes. Elizabeth for the top and middle, Attila for the bottom. This set of Stigmata would provide a 70% special effect boost. Combined with the base energy increase from the Stigmata themselves, it could at least triple Mei's combat power, possibly even more!

Chapter 39: Charging with the Ball is a Foul!

After finishing imprinting the Stigmata for Mei, Kiana also came to the room at Mei's recommendation…

Half-naked, she lay face down on the bed. Initially, Kiana was a little shy, but now she felt accustomed to it…

"Hoo, it really is comfortable… Mmm, don't… don't press so hard, ahh…" Then, under Ling Feng's professional massage techniques, Kiana completely surrendered, her tense nerves gradually relaxing…

"You two take your time imprinting, I'm going to take a bath first!"

Mei nodded at the two of them, grabbed her change of clothes, and turned to head to the bathroom. She couldn't help it; she had worked up a sweat again. Even though it was just a massage, it felt more tiring than a battle… though also very comfortable, of course…

Moreover, Ling Feng was currently imprinting for Kiana, so it was safest for her to shower now. At least Kiana wouldn't sneak over…

"Kiana, what Stigmata do you want?"